How a Bar Inventory App Can Help Your Business Hit the High Notes

What Does a Bar Inventory App Do?

A bar inventory app is a software that takes an accurate inventory and keeps track of the stock in real time and makes life easier for the bar manager. Doing the inventory may seem like a daunting task for a bar manager who is not just managing the inventory system but also runs the establishment. Thus, the bar inventory app comes as a solution that takes off the load of keeping count. The liquor inventory app also keeps a record of the historical data of the sales and inventory count which can be used later to analyse the profit and loss data.

Some of the basic features offered by a bar inventory app-

1. Easy way of inventory count that saves time and can be done automatically.
2. Automatic invoicing of beverage inventory and inventory ordering according to stock.
3. Access to historical data and analyzing these numbers.
   
4. Preparing sales reports of each item in the liquor inventory and saving time.
   
5. Maintaining the inventory system on mobile phones and sharing data on multiple devices.
   

With the right bar inventory app, businesses can save both time and money along with making managing a bar easier. The inventory system also promises to optimize sales, supplies and ordering process with real time taking inventory of liquor stocks. With recent surveys showing over 55 percent Americans in the habit of liquor consumption, the bar industry is likely to see more growth in the coming years as numbers are on the rise. With sales expected to grow in leaps and bounds, bars can be better managed with inventory apps that promise ease of use.



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Bar Inventory App Vs. Manual Inventory

Maintaining a manual inventory with a pen and paper or inventory spreadsheet has been the traditional way of managing a bar. However, inventory management can be a daunting task when going for the manual method in which one has to track liquor stocks by individually looking at each bottle and making an entry. The manual method also requires the bar manager to back-calculate every time a bottle is used. The manual inventory system also leaves major scope for human error while calculating the details. Needless to say, the manual inventory system would also consume more time and effort.

On the other hand, when a beverage inventory runs with an inventory app or software, it gets easier for the bar manager to keep the inventory count with much less effort. The latest inventory management software now promises easy use at the tip of your finger. The bar inventory app is also linked to the POS systems of the restaurant or bar, which would let the inventory system track liquor stocks in real-time. This promises a more accurate inventory along with easy use of the system.




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What do the Best Bar Inventory Apps Have in Common?

There are several bar inventory apps in the market that offer a number of solutions for easy bar management. If you are a bar manager looking to make your life easier, take inventory using these mobile app solutions for inventory count that are easy to use.

Better POS integration

The bar inventory app offers direct integration with the POS system of the bar or restaurant, which helps the bar management keep real time track of the liquor inventory. Direct integration of the bar inventory with the POS system makes sure you are aware of the stocks in the inventory and there is an alert issued before the next bottle runs out. The feature helps in taking inventory and keeping track of sales.

Bluetooth scale

The Bluetooth scale feature offered by the best inventory management systems lets the bar manager to weigh bottles at ease. The Bluetooth scale can also be used to take inventory while moving around the bar.

Barcode scanner

The barcode scanner allows the bar manager to swiftly scan all bottles in the stock and take inventory at ease. The barcode scanner is an essential feature of the bar inventory app that makes managing the bar a swift process.

Database records

The bar inventory app also keeps a historical record of all inventory data along with the daily usage. This helps the bar manager keep a tab on the depleting stocks and thus placing orders on time. The database records also help the bar keep the menu updated in case an item runs out.

Why A Bar Inventory App is Good for Business

As a bar manager or bar owner, the best thing you can do for your business is to get inventory software to manage the stocks and keep track. Not only will the inventory management app make your life easier, but also optimize the business and save time and money.

Reduce liquor waste

The bar inventory app will track liquor stocks, use and sales on a real-time basis and thus reduce any waste that may otherwise go unnoticed. Any shortage in stocks will be alerted, thus preventing major losses like in the manual inventory system.

Less errors

With a bar inventory app you can reduce the chances of making errors in keeping inventory counts of the stocks. In the pen and paper method or spreadsheet system, there remains a major scope for human error in calculating the different kinds of bottles and their individual quantities.

Better time management

The automation features offered by bar inventory apps can take inventory in minutes when done methodically, thus reducing the time taken to update the stocks. The barcode scanner makes it easier to manage inventory in the otherwise manual counting process.

Analyzing data

The bar inventory app also gathers all historical data of the inventory to analyze and keep inventory counts of sales and unused stocks. This helps the bar manager have a better understanding of the sales and profits while also making note of the unused products.



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Choose a Bar Inventory App That's Best For You

There are several favourites in the market when it comes to a bar inventory app but as a bar manager, you must choose what's best for your business. Analyze all the features on offer before subscribing to one of the bar managing solutions. Here are some of the essential features you should look for before zeroing on a mobile app to manage the bar.

1. Look for a barcode scanner and Bluetooth scale in the bar inventory app, which are some of the most essential features for the inventory software in order to make the switch to automation.
2. The bar inventory app should have the facility of direct integration with POS system of the restaurant or bar.
3. Ease of use is essential for the liquor inventory app in order to make the process smooth. There cannot be too many complicated charts and functions that can be difficult to understand while managing the bar.
4. Look for a feature that will let you take inventory while also looking at the sales and placing orders in case of a shortage in stocks. A good bar inventory app will provide you with regular reports on sales, profits, losses and weekly expenses.

How Much do Bar Inventory Apps Cost?

One of the most important things to keep track of in a bar is inventory. It's important to know what your starting inventory is, what sales you've had, and what you'll need to order. Knowing how much of each beverage you have on hand is the key to running a successful bar. That's why it's important to have a bar inventory app. But how much do bar inventory apps cost?

Some bar inventory apps come for free while some can cost a bomb. As a bar manager, you must look for the features offered by an app to subscribe to something that'll be useful for you. Some of the mobile apps that come for free offer basic solutions for inventory management. On the other hand, there are bar inventory apps that come at a monthly subscription price of $40-80 or even more. The mobile app for inventory offer a range of features and it is advisable to look for the app reviews and features on offer before taking a subscription. The costs may further go down if you buy an annual subscription and make the inventory process smooth.

Paid Vs. Free Bar Inventory Apps- What You Get For Your Buck

While not every bar will have the same needs, there are some basic things that bar inventory applications have to offer. Some bar inventory apps are free, but others come with a price.

Free apps

A bar inventory app that comes for free may sound like it would be of no use and have no features, however, some of the free apps do have the essential features needed in a bar inventory app and can be useful for a new business.

Paid apps

The paid apps although may seem expensive, have a lot to offer that will make the life of a bar manager easier. The paid apps offer features such as a barcode scanner to take inventory and Bluetooth scale to measure the bottles. They also have features of providing weekly reports on sales, profits and other data analysis to better the business. The paid apps also come with an attractive and easy to use interface that allows you to swipe and take inventory and move to the next bottle with ease.

The paid bar inventory apps also support placing orders from the app itself when stocks need to be replenished. With the feature of integration with POS systems, these apps can also keep a track of the sales and alert in case of a shortage.